for troops arriving in Augusta to be collected, organized, and sent for
ward under proper officers.

G. T. BEAUREGARD,

General.



MACOX, GA., February 2~), 18(>5.
Col. GEORGE WILLIAM BRENT,

Assistant Adjutant- General, Augusta, Ga.:

The present orders are that the army trains shall be used to carry
Major Mollo/s stores across the break. Colonel Kennard orders



1274 OPERATIONS IN N. ( ., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. (CHAP. LIX.

Captain Humphreys to ship to Camak all his ordnance stores, of which
he has 700 wagon loads that have arrived by rail. What portion of
these trains shall be devoted to transport ordnance stores! I know
not which are the most immediately needed.

J. B. EUSTIS,
Assistant Adjutant- General.



TNIONA TLLE, S. C., February 25, 1865.
General G. T. BEAUREG-AIU) :

GENERAL: I have just received information that a raid in force
under the direction of General Stoneman is now in preparation, having
for its object the upper districts of the State. Colonel Palmer is, 1
understand, at Asheville with a small force said to be badly organized.
If the State militia and the State Cadets are with your forces I will
thank you to detach them; and to Colonel Goodwyn, who commands
these troops, I have given directions where to march them. It is to
this force that the security of the State can only be intrusted; there is
no other force in the State. General Hardee promised me that as soon
as he could spare these troops from the lines around Charleston he
would send them to me. They had been spared to him under great dis
advantages. Unless I can get these troops here, if the raid of General
Stoneinan is executed, it will waste the whole State. If these troops
are not with your army you may be able to direct the courier where he
can find Colonel Goodwyn, who is in command of the brigade.
Respectfully, &c.,

A. (i. MAGKATH.

The raid is said to be organizing in Cocke County, Tenn.



GENERAL ORDERS, ) CHARLOTTE, X. C.,

No. I. ) February 25,

In obedience to the orders of the general-in-chief the undersigned
assumes command of the Army of Tennessee and all troops in the
Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. He takes this
position with strong hope, because he will have in council and in the
iield the aid of the high talents and skill of the distinguished general
whom lie succeeds. He exhorts all absent soldiers of the Army of
Tennessee to rejoin their regiments and again confront the enemy they
so often encountered in Northern Georgia, and always with honor. He
assures his comrades of that army who are still with their colors that
the confidence in their discipline and valor which he has publicly
expressed is undiminished.

J. E. JOHNSTON,

General.



NEWBERRY, S. C., February 25, 1$(>5.
General G. T. BEAIIREGARD :

I arrived here day before yesterday. Found General Cheatham had
returned to this place from the direction of Unionville and was send
ing his troops to Pomaria preparatory to moving by route indicated in
your instructions of 19th. On yesterday your telegram of 23d and



CHAP. LIX.1 CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1275

instructions of same date from General Hampton to General Cheatliam
were received. 1 suppose they were based upon the supposition that
Cheatliam was marching on and had not returned to this point. How
ever, an examination of the rivers proves that it will require several
days, possibly a week, to cross the Broad and Wateree and reach Man
chester. 1 am of opinion, in which Cheatliam concurs, that we cannot
get round by that route to the point indicated in time. I shall, there
fore, march to Unionville and thence direct our march according to
information we may receive from General Hampton. Cheatliam will
move from Pomaria in the morning. Some troops under Loring and
Lowry are expected here to-day. If they arrive I will start from here
to-morrow, and will press forward as rapidly as possible. It seems
unfortunate that General Cheatliam did not continue his march,
though he acted under the impression that it was your intention from
the older of the 19th that he should return and take the other route.
Considerable rains have made the roads heavy and our progress will
not be so rapid as I could desire.
Very respectfully, &c.,

A. P. STEWART,

Lieutenant- General.



SPECIAL ORDERS, / EEADQUARTERS,

Xo. . \ Newberry^ S. 6 ., February 25, 1865.

Capt. P>. Kavanaugh, commanding detachment First Alabama Cav
alry, will take charge of the prisoners at this point (Captain Brazier
and twenty-live men) and move to-morrow morning at sunrise with three
days cooked rations, taking the road to Jones Ferry on the Ennoree,and
then toward Unionville. He will also take with him the horses (thirty
or thirty-one) which were brought from Laurensville and which were
taken from these men. He will get from Captain Walker, commanding
post, all the papers relating to these men, and horses and men will be
turned over to General Hampton at the proper time. Captain Kav
anaugh will march a little in advance of the infantry column and camp
each night near by. During the march he will keep his men well closed
up, allowing no straggling and maintaining order day and night.

By command of Lieutenant-General Stewart:

W. I). GALE,
Assistant Adjutant- General.



HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,

Augusta, Ga., February ;?.->, 18(15.
Maj. Gen. P. M. B. YOUNG-, Commanding, &c. :

GENERAL: I inclose you copies of communications from General
Beauregard of the |19th| instant to Maj or- General Cheatliam and one
from General Cheatliam to General Hill. They will advise you fully
of the change of movements. Under existing circumstances you had
[better,] whilst covering the roads to Augusta from the direction of
Columbia and Charleston and the crossings of the Savannah Eiver,
move with a part of your command to open up communication with
General Cheatliam in the neighborhood of Columbia, Statesburg, or
Manchester. The movement of the forces by that route should be
sufficiently covered.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEOKGE WM. BREXT,
Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General.



1276 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. 0., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.

HEADQUARTERS ALLEN S CAVALRY DIVISION,

Near JKave s Mill, February 25, 1865 6.30 a. m.
Lieutenant HUDSON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant- General, Wheeler s Corps:
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to inform you that having "been told
by an old citizen at Chester that I could probably cross both prongs of
Fishing Creek, by going the Charlotte road, without swimming, I took
that road, and had to swim the first fork. I was then informed by citi
zens that the crossing over the next prong would be very difficult, and
that I had better cross the first fork again at another ford and cross
the main stream at Eave s Mill. I got one brigade over the second
crossing last night, and propose to put it over at Eave s Mill this morn
ing; Colonel Hagan is still in the fork of the creeks. Will remain until
I ascertain definitely whether the crossing at Eave s Mill is good or
not; if not good I ll send him to cross at some other ford.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. W. ALLEN,
Brigadier- G cneral. Com m (( n d I n g.



HEADQUARTERS ALLEN S CAVALRY DIVISION.

Near Eave s Mill, February 25 7 1365-*-10 a. w.
Lieut. M. G. HUDSON,

Aide-de- Camp and Actg. Asst. Adjt. Gen., Wheeler s Cavalry Corps:
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to say that 1 informed you in a pre
vious communication that I reached this vicinity last night with one
brigade; the other brigade is still in the fork between the two prongs
of Fishing Creek. I find the creek so much swollen that it cannot be
crossed at any point in this vicinity without great danger. I shall,
accordingly, move in a northwesterly direction, so as to head these
creeks. I fear that the Catawba Kiver will be so much swollen by the
time I reach it that 1 shall be unable to cross at Landsford, or that it
may be desired that I should not do so. You will please, therefore,
send any instructions you may have for me to Steele s house, north of
Fishing Creek, on the Nation Ford road. I will send a courier to that
point to convey the dispatch to me.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. W. ALLEN,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.



HEADQUARTERS ALLEN S CAVALRY DIVISION,

February 25, 1865 3.30 p. m.
Lieutenant HUDSON,

Acting Assistant Adjutant-General Wheeler 1 * Corps:
LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to inform you that having been
wrongly informed by citizens yesterday, I moved up the Charlotte road
to a point beyond Lewis Post-Office, and crossed the South Fork of
Fishing Creek with the two brigades, and afterward crossed the same
stream with Anderson s brigade, expecting to cross the main creek at
Eave s Mill; Hagan s brigade could not make the second crossing
before night. Finding this morning that the creek could not be crossed
at Eave s Mill, I have turned back up the South Fork and will reach



CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1277

Brattonville to-night. Hagan is moving up the main Fishing Creek
and will cross at the first practicable ford. I think I will succeed in
crossing at Lowry s Ford to-morrow; I greatly fear that before I reach
the river it will not be fordable at Landsford. After crossing creek
I shall make inquiries, and if I learn that it is not fordable at that
point I shall move directly to Thorn s and Mason s Ferries and cross
there. I learn there are no flats on the river below Thorn s.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

WM. W. ALLEN,
Brigadier- General, Commanding.



HEADQUARTERS HUMES DIVISION,

February 25, 1865.
Lieut. M. G. HUDSON,

Aide-de Camp :

LIEUTENANT: I have the honor to forward the following statement
of a spoilt: Scout went into Lancaster about 12 m. yesterday and found
there a scout of the enemy about forty strong. Captured a mounted
infantryman (Federal), who stated that there was a division of cavalry
(Federal) a few miles from Lancaster on the Brown s Ferry road.
Prisoner says that the enemy s division of cavalry would encamp where
it was for the night (last night). Another scout went into Lancaster
late in the evening and found that the enemy had left. The prisoner
captured by the first scout was recaptured on its return.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. Y. C. HUMES,

Brigadier -General.



ROCK HILL, February 25, 1865.
General BEAUREGARD:

Small force cavalry entered Lancaster and retired last night. Xo
movements this morning. Infantry crossed at Rocky Mount and
Peay s Ferry.

WADE HAMPTON,

Lieutenant- General.



MASSEY HOUSE, NEAR CURETON S FERRY,

February 25, 1865 10 <?. m.
General BEAUREG-ARD :

GENERAL : I sent dispatches to you yesterday from Fort Mills, giving
you information of the movements of the enemy. He crossed at Rocky
Mount and Peay s Ferry, and a small force cavalry came to Lancaster
Court-House yesterday. Prisoners say that they are going to Char
lotte. The roads are so bad that I doubt if the enemy moves to-day.
I hope to get some artillery soon by which I can check his advance. If
the Blakely guns are ready and have ammunition I should like to have
them at Fort Mills. Ammunition can be sent from Richmond, if none
is in Charlotte. 1 beg that you will order all cavalry equipments that
can be had collected at Charlotte. I have directed General Wheeler
to locate the enemy and to attack if possible. I shall cover the



1278 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.

approaches to the railroad as long as possible. One brigade was left
on the south of Chester to guard that place and to communicate with
General Cheat ham. Butler is on the east of the enemy and I have
told him to communicate with General Hardee.
1 am, very respectfully, yours,

WADE HAMPTON,

Lieut ana t- General.



CHARLOTTE, N. C., February 25, 18<>~> 7 p. m.
Lieutenant-General HAMPTON,

Roc~k Hill Station, 8. C.:

I have ordered a line of couriers from here to Cheraw via Monroe
and Wadesborough. You might use them to communicate with Gen
eral Hardee.

G. T. BEAUREGAED.



XEWBERRY, S. C., February 25, 1865.
Lieutenant-General HAMPTON.

Com ni andinf/ Cavalry :

SIR : I expect to move to-morrow with troops of mine and Cheatham s
corps for Unionville, thence if practicable to Chester or Yorkville or
Charlotte, according to information 1 may receive from you or others.
You will do me the favor to forward accompanying letter to General
Beauregard.*

Very respectfully, sir, your obedient servant.

ALEX. P. STEWART,

TAeutenant- General.



RALEIGH, N. C., February 25, 1865.
General BEAUREGARD, Charlotte:

Please advise me of Sherman s movements. If he comes by Char
lotte I wish to move a large lot of quartermaster s stores.

Z. B. VANCE.



CHARLOTTE, N. C., February 25, lx(>5 1A5 p. m.
Governor Z. B. VANCE,

Raleigh, N. C. :
Will keep you advised. Nothing important since you left.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.



EOOKFISH CREEK, February 25. 1365.
General R. E. LEE,

Petersburg

Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson is the only officer of the department on
duty with me, and the only one of any field experience now available.
When his place can be supplied I will not object to his joining General
Johnston. My staff is very deficient, my aides-de-camp having been
legislated out of service.

BRAXTON BRAGG.



See p. 1274.



CHAP.LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1279

ROCKFISH CREEK, February 25, 1865.
General B. E. LEE,

Petersburg:

Sherman is reported to Lave turned east at Winusborough, and
crossed the Wateree River. This indicates Fayetteville and Ealeigh
by the old mail-stage road, and through a country not drained of sup-
lilies. Hartlee is supposed to be in his front at Cheraw. By a union
of my forces with General Beauregard at Fayetteville we might strike
him before he forms a junction with Schofield or gets supplies up the
Cape Fear. If we lose this opportunity we shall be again divided.

BRAXTOX BEAGG.



Koc KFisn CREEK, February ;>~>, 1865.

General G. T. BEAFREGARD,

Charlotte, X. C. :

If Sherman moves as you suppose we should all concentrate in his
front at Fayetteville. Hardee by Cheraw, retarding his advance; you
by way of Raleigh, and my forces from here and Goldsborough. Gen
eral Lee might aid us, and a success be the result. Divided we can do
nothing. A junction with Schoneld. who has 20,000, will make Sher
man very strong, but embarrass his commissariat, it we can only con
trol the river.

BRAXTOX BRAGG-.



KOCKFISH CREEK, February 25,

General G. T. BEAL REGARD,

Charlotte, y. C.:

A detachment is moving to the Cape Fear to obstruct river and
retard the enemy. His force is too large for me to meet him with suc
cess. He has two corps under Schoneld. We have but a division.
Please keep Lieutenant-Colonel Childs at Fayetteville advised by tele
graph of Sherman s movements, should they tend that way.

BRAXTOX BRAGG,

General.



ROCKFISH CREEK, February 25, 1865.
Col. JOHN B. SALE,

Raleigh :

The main command is at this point; the cavalry at Northeast River.
The Federal commander has agreed to receive the prisoners there. See
local authorities and urge their rapid transfer to that point. The gov
ernor should urge forward the organization of his State forces.

BRAXTOX BRAGG.



ROCKFISH CREEK, February 25, 1865.
Lieu tenant-Colonel OLAUOWSKI,

Goldsborough:

Kstablish depot at Raleigh, and keep only current supplies at
Goldsborough.

ARCHER AXDERSOX,
Assistant Adjutant- General.



1280 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. Lix.

RALEIGH, February 25, 1865.
General BRAGG:

Please inform me of progress of enemy. I desire to move stores, and
am waiting for information.

Z. B. VANCE.



KOCKFISH CREEK, February 25, 1865.
Governor VANCE,

Raleigh :

The enemy has not advanced in this direction farther than Xorth-
east River, where we are to deliver the prisoners. Our scouts have not
yet reported any movement toward Fayetteville. Sherman, is reported
as having turned in that direction.

BRAXTOX BRAGG.



ROCKFISII CREEK, February 25, 1865.
Governor VANCE,

Ha leiyh :

I desire to assign General Leventhorpe to command at Raleigh. If
you consent, let me know of his arrival at Raleigh.

BRAXTOX BRAGG.



CHARLOTTE, X. C., February 27 \26th ?}, 1865* a. m.
General R. E. LEE,

Petersburg, Va. :

General Johnston assumed command yesterday. Enemy s position
is still about same on Lancaster and Camden road, made almost
impassable by heavy rains.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.



CHARLOTTE, X. C., February 26, 1865.
Hon. G. A. TRENHOLM,

Richmond, Va. :

Route indicated perfectly safe at present, only difficulty being in
mode of conveyance.

G. T. BEAUREGARD.



HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,

Augusta, Oct., February 26, 1865.
Maj. X. O. TILTON,

Chief Quartermaster :

MAJOR: In reply to your communication of this date, relative to
wagon train between this point and Columbia, I have the honor to state
that it is at present inexpedient to start it. As soon as I can obtain
information showing that it can be established I will advise you.
Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE VVM. BREXT,
Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General.



CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1281

HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,

Augusta, Ga., February 26, 1865.
Maj. KINLOCH FALCONER,

Assistant Adjutant- General, Augusta:

MAJOR: You will report to Major-General Young, Augusta, for
instructions temporarily.

Very respectfully, your obedient servant,

GEORGE WM. BRENT,
Colonel and Assistant Adjutant- General.



HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION OF THE WEST,

Charlotte, N. C., February 26, 1865.
Lieut. Gen. W. J. HARDEE, Cheraw, #. C.:

GENERAL: The enemy at last accounts having been at Rocky Mount
and Peay s Ferry, on the Catawba River, and it being still undetermined
whether he will move thence upon this place or upon Fayetteville, N.
C., via Clieraw, you will please concentrate your forces as rapidly as
possible at the latter place and there hold them in readiness to move at
a moment s notice, either on this point, as already instructed, or to
oppose his advance as long as possible should he march by the way of
Clieraw, in which event Hampton s cavalry will co-operate with you.
Should any movement of Scho field from Wilmington threaten to inter
cept your march upon Fayetteville and you are not strong enough to
give him battle you will then retire slowly in the direction of Raleigh,
doing all in your power to check your adversary s advance at all favor
able positions. A line of couriers has been established hence to Fay
etteville, via Clieraw or Rockinghain, as the movements of the enemy
shall make necessary. Please keep General Bragg (who is still near
Wilmington) and myself advised of your movements and of those of
the enemy which may come to your knowledge. There is telegraphic
communication from Fayetteville with these headquarters. Your engi
neers should repair forthwith the roads and bridges on the route to
Fayetteville and Salisbury, including, especially, a new bridge across
Rocky River. In conclusion, I will again call your attention to the
importance of saving surplus stores and supplies of all description at
Clieraw. To that end they should be held stored in trains, ready at
the proper moment to be sent by rail either in the direction of the
Santee River or toward Manchester, or even to Camden, as may become
most judicious in view of known movements of the enemy. In case of a
retrograde movement before the enemy you will please remove or destroy
all supplies of every kind liable to fall into his hands, in which connec
tion 1 inclose General Orders, No. 4, Adjutant and Inspector General s
Office.

Respectfully, general, your obedient servant,

G. T. BEAUREGARD.



HDQRS. DEFT. OF S. CAROLINA, GEORGIA, AND FLORIDA,

Cheraiv, S. C., February 26, 1865 2 p. m.
General G. T. BEAUREGARD,

Commanding Military Division of the West :

GENERAL: Your dispatches have been received and your instruc
tions will be carried out as far as practicable. The movements of the

81 R R VOL XLVII, PT II



1282 OPERATIONS IN N. C., S. C., S. GA., AND E. FLA. [CHAP. LIX.

enemy indicate an intention of going either to Darlington, Florence, or
this place. I think it probable he is making for Florence or Darlington.
I regret to inform you that I met with great difficulty and delay in
crossing the wagons, artillery, and troops across the Santee. McLaws
division is all here except a brigade which was left at Florence, under
Colonel Hardy, to protect that place until the troops, wagons, and artil
lery have passed. 1 sent instructions yesterday to General Taliaferro
urgently directing him to press forward to this place w T ith the utmost
expedition. I expect a portion of his command to night, and most,
perhaps all of it, may be here before the enemy shall cut the road.
Much of our artillery and most of the wagons are still in rear. I have
directed all those which may arrive at Florence to-day and after to
remain at that place until the movements of the enemy are developed,
and if the command should be compelled to fall back, to move with it.
Instructions have been sent to Col. W. M. Hardy, also to General
Taliaferro, if unable by movements of the enemy to join me here, to fall
back toward the Santee, and to rejoin me by Sumterville and Caniden,
Respectfully, your obedient servant,

W. J. HAKDEE,
Lieutenant- General.

P. S. It is proper 1 should add that more of my cavalry has come
up. It was the last to cross, being kept in rear to guard the cross
ing of the Santee. Another cause of delay and embarrassment arises
from a heavy rise in the Great Pedee and its tributaries, which has
carried away some important bridges on the route, thus causing the
wagons and artillery to go much out of the way to reach this place.
The lack of cavalry is much felt, as I am unable to learn the movements
of the enemy.

W. J. HAKDEE.

[Indorsement.]

FEBRUARY 27, 1805.

Eespectfully furnished Lieutenant-General Hampton.
Nothing has yet been received from General Cheatham since he was
heard of between Xewberry and Unionville.
Eespectfully,

JNO. M. OTEY,
Assistant A djutant- General.



Return exhibiting effective total, total present, and aggregate present.



Effective! Total Aggregate
total. present. present.



Fiser s brigade


841


I
877


951


Harrison s brigade a


897


972


1,045


Conner s brigade


] . 433


1,486 ,


1,594


Hardy s brigade b












i




Total . .


3,171


3,335 I


3, 590



a The Second, Fifteenth, and part of the Twentieth Regiments, South Carolina Volunteers, are
behind at Florence.
b Effective total as shown by last report, 750.



HEADQUARTERS McLAws DIVISION,

Cheraiv, February 26, 1865.



CHAP. LIX.] CORRESPONDENCE, ETC. CONFEDERATE. 1283

HEADQUARTERS CAVALRY DIVISION,

On Road from White Oalc to Rocky Mount,

February 26, 1865 6 a. m.
Lieutenant HIDSON,

Avtiny Assistant Adjutant-General :

We wrote you yesterday by a scouting party from the Kighth Con
federate that the enemy had all crossed the river and that we would
move down toward Peay s Ferry and Camden and try to cross, and
sent out scouts night before last to ascertain the condition of things,
when they found every boat destroyed and no means of crossing the
river. Wateree Creek was past fording, and we moved up it and got
upon this road and are moving this morning to Landsford and will
cross the Catawba first chance. Our men ran out of rations yester
day and every mill on this side has been burned by the enemy, conse
quently we will move as rapidly as possible until we can get out of
this section and to where we can get rations, and will overtake you as
soon as possible. If we had been one day sooner could have got 100
stragglers. It would be of great service to people to have a force in
the rear all the while to prevent these stragglers committing so many
depredations. If we can cross at Landsford will do so; ai.n to reach
that vicinity to-night, and would be glad to receive orders as to what to
do there. Unless otherwise ordered shall move up to the command,
unless 1 can see an opportunity of accomplishing something in the rear.

The enemy have large droves of cattle and very large wagon trains,
all guarded by infantry. Sometimes large guards and at others small.
Negroes report they hung eighteen Confederate soldiers in retaliation
for killing theirs, but I can t find out certainly. They say it was done
between Wateree Meeting-House and Eocky Mount. 1 have sent a